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Teaching & Learning

Our curriculum, assessment practices and educator development programs are continually being evaluated and refined.  As educators, we constantly strive to make our curriculum more effective, meaningful, and cohesive.

The Office of Teaching and Learning Department of oversees academic programming in English Language Arts & Literacy, Mathematics, Science, History & Social Sciences, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, World Language, and Health & Wellness. Additionally, we interface with the Office of Student Services to align academic supports within the core instructional program.

Department chairs, curriculum teacher teachers (CTLs), coaches, and administrators work throughout the year to ensure that planned lessons reflect Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, AP College Board Standards (as appropriate), and the content and skills that students are required to master in each grade level/course. What results is a living curriculum, one that is dynamic and responsive to the changing needs of students.  

Contact Teaching & Learning

Dr. Heather Smith

Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning

Edward Paris

Director of Curriculum and Professional Practice

Dedham Public Schools Instructional Framework

The Instructional Framework establishes a philosophy of instruction and expectations for every student across Dedham Public Schools. While the curriculum defines what to teach, the instructional framework outlines how to teach in order to ensure rigorous, engaging, and authentic learning experiences.


 

What is an Instructional Framework?

An Instructional Framework provides:

  • A shared vision of effective instruction.
  • A learner-centered approach.
  • Guidance that is applicable across all content areas and grade levels.
  • A foundational structure to support daily instructional and assessment practices.

Purpose of an Instructional Framework

The Instructional Framework answers key guiding questions:

  • What do we believe about learning?
  • What dispositions and skills are essential for Dedham learners?
  • What defines effective and meaningful teaching and learning?

Benefits of an Instructional Framework

  • Aligns instructional goals and frameworks across the district.
  • Promotes consistency in teaching practices across grade levels and content areas.
  • Improves student outcomes through access to highly effective instruction and support.
  • Provides a shared language for teaching, learning, and assessment to support collaboration and best practice sharing.
  • Strengthens transparency around educational goals, enhancing parent and community engagement.

 

 

COMPONENT

INDICATORS

REFLECT & RESPOND

     

STUDENT-

CENTERED

  • High expectations for every student
  • Support for diverse learning paths
  • Inclusive classroom culture
  • Safe, nurturing environments
  • Affirming, accessible learning spaces
  • Reflect on equity and high expectations
  • Gather feedback on student experience
  • Review and adapt routines
  • Evaluate learning space accessibility
     
     

DESIGN

  • Focus on key academic concepts and skills
  • Clear, student-friendly objectives
  • Rigorous and authentic learning strategies
  • Flexible, scaffolded pathways
  • Reflect on alignment to standards
  • Assess clarity of objectives
  • Gather feedback on instruction
  • Adjust for student needs
     
     

ENGAGE

  • Connect learning to students’ lives
  • Use varied instructional methods
  • Support deeper understanding
  • Monitor engagement
  • Adapt to promote relevance
  • Evaluate instructional strategies
     
     

ASSESS

  • Clear success criteria
  • Student ownership of learning
  • Aligned formative/summative assessments
  • Rigorous, authentic tasks
  • Gather feedback on clarity of expectations
  • Reflect on engagement in assessment
  • Analyze data to address gaps
  • Modify instruction based on results
     
     

REFLECT AND RESPOND

  • Use feedback and data to inform teaching
  • Adjust instruction as needed
  • Guide future practice through reflection
  • Regularly evaluate instructional effectiveness
  • Implement changes
  • Monitor and document impact

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